Retail business consultant in Dubai thrilled as Musk reacts to another post as well
Dubai: Ali Al Samahi, a retail business consultant [at Al Ahli Holding Group] in Dubai, has found himself thrust into global spotlight on social media, thanks to two of his posts that caught the attention of none other than Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla.
Just a few days ago, the 45-year-old, who had been casually sharing his thoughts, interests and catchy videos on X (formerly Twitter), had no idea that his posts would go viral.
It all began when he edited a NASA video showing the view of Mars from the Curiosity Rover and posted a short, captivating clip. When Elon Musk reposted his tweet on February 22, the response was overwhelming. Musk’s comment— “It’s time to go to Mars”—quickly caught fire, and the post has garnered a staggering 102 million views.
“It was surreal,” Al Samahi recalled. “People from every corner of the world were engaging, debating, sharing. My tweet had become part of the global discourse,” he told Gulf News.
“I never imagined a single tweet could resonate with so many people. My notifications were non-stop, and it felt like my words had suddenly been amplified by one of the most influential figures on the planet,” said Al Samahi.
‘Wow’ that made a difference
But the excitement didn’t end there. Just days later, Musk engaged with another tweet from Ali, this time a video showcasing the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, the Bailong Elevator in China, when it was reposted by Mario Nawfal, a prominent entrepreneur and influencer known for sharing insights on business, politics and social media strategies on X.
Musk’s simple yet enthusiastic response, “Wow,” on March 3 sent the video soaring to 144,000 views, while Musk’s reply itself garnered 102,000 views till Saturday.
“It wasn’t just about virality anymore—it was a conversation,” Al Samahi recalled.
Reflecting on his experiences, he said: “It’s a mix of exhilaration, humility, and responsibility. Virality is unpredictable—you’re invisible one moment, and the next, you are part of the global conversation. It’s incredible, but it also brings a sense of accountability to the content you share. But beyond the numbers, beyond the attention, what excites me the most is the opportunity, to contribute, to spark discussions, to be part of something larger than myself.”
Multiple social media avatars
With his social media following now on a steady upward trajectory, Al Samahi’s says his experience has highlighted the influence of even a single tweet in today’s digital age, where one post can ignite a worldwide conversation.
While his rise in the digital world was sudden, Al Samahi’s journey into social media began as a personal passion. He spends two to three hours each day researching, curating, and scheduling posts for the following day. Though not a full-time content creator, Al Samahi blends professional insights with personal creativity in his online presence.
His content ranges from industry-related discussions on LinkedIn to a mix of inspirational and entertaining posts on X, and even his own lo-fi music shared on his YouTube channel, Cyberpunk Beats Lo-Fi.
“Through my posts, I want to spark discussions and share content that resonates with people on a deeper level. It’s about contributing, not just consuming,” he said.
